Tai Chi: From ancient martial art to modern wellness

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Rooted in China's late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Tai Chi traces its 400-year evolution from a combat discipline to a globally embraced practice for holistic well-being.

The art's rich history gave rise to five major schools – Chen, Yang, Wu (Yuxiang), Wu (Quanyou), and Sun – each bearing the family name of its founding master. While their movements and techniques vary, all schools unite in their pursuit of harmonizing body and mind.

Zhang Dongyuan, a seventh-generation inheritor of Yang-style Tai Chi, began his training at 24 and now dedicates himself to promoting its practice.

Once perceived as an activity for seniors, Tai Chi has transcended generational boundaries, attracting practitioners of all ages with its low-impact adaptability and scientifically supported benefits for stress reduction, flexibility, and mental clarity.

Pop culture, including films like "The Tai Chi Master," has further ignited interest among younger audiences, reframing the art as both a meditative practice and a dynamic cultural symbol.

In the Temple of Heaven in Beijing – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bustling tourist destination – the ancient and modern converge. Amid its serene courtyards and cypress-shaded paths, Tai Chi enthusiasts gather daily, their synchronized movements weaving a living tapestry that embodies the art's timeless relevance in contemporary life.